About to – Meaning & Usage Examples

Explore the idiom ‘about to’ as we unravel its meaning, trace its origin, examine real-life examples, and even discover quotes that shed light on the essence of this common expression. Ready for a journey into language? Let’s begin!

Meaning of the Idiom

The phrase ‘about to’ is not an idiom in the traditional sense; rather, it is a common expression used in everyday language. It indicates that something is imminent or on the verge of happening. When someone is ‘about to’ do something, it means they are on the brink of taking a specific action or that an event is about to occur.

Origin of the Expression

The expression ‘about to’ is straightforward and lacks a specific origin as it is a fundamental part of the English language. Its usage is rooted in the need for precise communication regarding imminent actions or events. As a result, tracing the origin of ‘about to’ is akin to tracing the evolution of language itself.

Examples of the Expression in Real-Life Conversations

1. I’m about to leave for the airport, so please make sure everything is ready for the trip.

2. The meeting is about to start, and we need everyone in the conference room.

3. She’s about to announce some exciting news; let’s gather in the living room.

4. They are about to release the new version of the software with enhanced features.

5. Be careful; the traffic light is about to turn red, and you need to stop.

6. I’m about to submit my application for the job; wish me luck!

7. The concert is about to begin, and the audience is eagerly waiting for the performers.

8. The chef is in the kitchen, and the aroma suggests that a delicious meal is about to be served.

9. The storm clouds are gathering, and it looks like it’s about to rain heavily.

10. The suspense is building up; the plot is reaching its climax, and the big reveal is about to happen.

Quotes Using the Expression

1. “Life is full of moments when you’re about to make a decision that can change everything.” – Unknown

2. “Success often comes to those who are about to give up but choose to hold on a little longer.” – Unknown

3. “In the grand story of our lives, each chapter presents a moment when we’re about to turn the page to something new.” – Unknown

4. “The best opportunities often arise when you’re about to embark on a different path.” – Unknown

5. “Courage is not the absence of fear but the decision that something else is more important than what you’re about to lose.” – Unknown

6. “Every sunrise brings a new beginning, and it’s a reminder that something incredible is about to unfold.” – Unknown

7. “Don’t be afraid of the unknown; it’s where the magic is about to happen.” – Unknown

8. “When you feel like you’re about to give up, remember why you started in the first place.” – Unknown

9. “Opportunities are like sunrises; if you wait too long, you miss them. Be ready for what’s about to come.” – Unknown

10. “Life is a series of moments, and each moment is about to shape the chapters of our unique journey.” – Unknown

Idioms Starting From Letter A

Each and every letter of the English alphabet has hundreds of idioms. As in this post, we are talking about the idiom beginning with the letter A. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘A’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the A-starting idiomatic expressions on a single page to make it easy for you to find the best and most useful idioms starting with the letter A.

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